College students shouldn't be left to fend for themselves as far as the shift to a digital mode of learning amid the fuel price crisis is concerned.

According to Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos, the country’s local government units (LGUs) must do their part to provide support to students who encounter difficulties in meeting class requirements due to lack of access to digital or online resources.

“Sadly, due to the oil crisis we seem to have reverted to ‘pandemic mode’ with the shift to online classes. But that shouldn’t mean that inequities and gaps that were observed during the pandemic should continue to exist. Dapat matugunan ito (This must be addressed),” Bernos said.

In an earlier directive, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) allowed higher education institutions to shift fully to online classes amid the oil price shocks, which have led to occasional public transportation strikes.

“In this regard, I hope that our LGUs can also provide support to students who lack resources to ensure that they are not left behind in their studies. Kailangan natin bantayan ito (We need to keep an eye on this). This national crisis must not become an education crisis,” Bernos.

The lady lawmaker recalled that during the Covid-19 pandemic, various interventions by LGUs helped Filipino students cope with the forced shift to online learning.

She cited the establishment of free Wi-Fi hubs, Internet voucher systems and subsidies, and distribution of tablets, cellphones, and laptops as among the key interventions that LGUs implemented.

All of these initiatives had a positive impact on students--and its something that could be repeated under the current circumstances.

“I believe that once again, our LGUs can be instrumental in ensuring that the educational crisis we are facing does not deepen further,” said Bernos.

Earlier, the party-list solon also called on local governments to explore service contracting agreements in public transport for the benefit of commuters.